The Metropolitan Police deployed a major security operation Saturday as rival demonstrations took place in central London, with officers describing it as one of the most significant policing operations in recent years.

Two separate protests were held in the capital, with police estimating attendance of approximately 80,000 people across both events. The larger gathering was the Unite the Kingdom rally, which police projected would draw around 50,000 participants and conclude at Parliament Square.

A separate pro-Palestinian demonstration marking Nakba Day was also held, with an estimated 30,000 attendees expected. The annual event commemorates the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

The Metropolitan Police deployed extensive resources for the operation, including armoured vehicles, mounted officers, police dogs, and surveillance drones. The security operation was estimated to cost approximately £4.5 million.

Authorities coordinated the policing effort to manage the simultaneous demonstrations while maintaining public order. The rival nature of the protests required careful planning to prevent potential confrontations between opposing groups.

Both demonstrations proceeded in central London under heavy police presence, with officers working to ensure the events remained peaceful and that participants could exercise their right to protest safely.